As the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the Judiciary is taking deliberate steps to ensure that it is adequately prepared to discharge its constitutional mandate of resolving electoral disputes independently, fairly and expeditiously.

Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome says the judiciary recognizes the importance of early preparation given that electoral disputes are governed by strict constitutional and statutory timelines and often involve complex questions of law, evidence and electoral processes.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that the courts have the institutional capacity, professional competence and operational systems necessary to administer electoral justice effectively, “she said.

CJ Koome said the Judiciary, through the Kenya Judiciary Academy and the Judiciary Committee on Elections is embarking on a rollout of phased Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) training programme targeting more than 400 Judges, Judicial Officers and relevant Judiciary personnel in preparation for the 2027 General Elections.

The ongoing EDR training for High Court Judges follows the successful completion of a specialized Training of Trainers programme involving 40 participants, who will support the wider rollout of the training.

Koome said the programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of our courts to resolve electoral disputes competently, consistently, impartially and within the timelines prescribed by law.

The programme is designed to equip participants with specialized knowledge on the constitutional and statutory framework governing elections, pre-election disputes, election petitions, jurisdiction, statutory timelines, scrutiny and recounts, results management and transmission, emerging electoral jurisprudence, and appeals.

“Particular attention is also being given to digital evidence, electoral technology, active case management, and professional ethics,” she quipped.

She said beyond professional training, the judiciary is undertaking broader institutional preparations to strengthen the Judiciary’s operational readiness.

These preparations focus on ensuring that the courts and registries have the necessary personnel, administrative systems, technological infrastructure and logistical support to manage electoral disputes efficiently.

“First, we are prioritizing effective case management. Electoral disputes must be resolved within strict legal timelines. We will therefore focus on strengthening registry operations, filing and records management, scheduling of hearings and timely preparation and delivery of judgments. Our objective is to minimize avoidable administrative delays while safeguarding the right of every litigant to a fair hearing,” she said.

Speaking at Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa, Koome said the judiciary is strengthening institutional capacity to address emerging technological and evidentiary challenges.

She said modern elections increasingly involve electronic records, digital communication and technology-based results management systems.

“Our Judges and Judicial Officers must be adequately equipped to assess digital evidence, determine questions concerning electoral technology and apply the relevant legal standards,” she noted.

Koome said the judiciary is assessing the human, financial and logistical requirements of electoral dispute resolution noting that effective preparedness requires adequate staffing, functional court registries, reliable technology and sufficient resources to support proceedings.

“We will identify and prioritize these needs and pursue the necessary institutional and budgetary arrangements to ensure that our courts can discharge their responsibilities effectively,” she said, adding that the judiciary will strengthen public communication and access to information on electoral dispute resolution.

She said citizens deserve accurate information about the jurisdiction of the courts, the procedures for instituting electoral disputes and the principles guiding judicial decisions.

“We will continue engaging the media and the public to promote understanding of electoral justice processes and counter misinformation that may undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions,” she said.

The CJ said the judiciary was cognizant of the fact that electoral disputes can generate intense political interest and public debate; however, the courts must remain faithful to their constitutional duty to administer justice without fear, favour, bias or prejudice.

She gave assurance that the Judiciary will not be drawn into political contests or the determination of disputes in the court of public opinion, noting that every case that comes before the courts will be considered on its merits, based on the evidence presented and the applicable law.

“Every litigant, regardless of political affiliation, status or position, is entitled to equal treatment before the law and a fair hearing, and appeal to political leaders, political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the independence of the Judiciary and the constitutional mechanisms established for resolving electoral disputes,” she said.

The CJ said political disagreements must be pursued through lawful channels, and judicial proceedings must be allowed to run their course without intimidation, improper influence or undue pressure.

Shwe urged the media to embrace responsible and accurate reporting on electoral matters and judicial proceedings stating that the media plays a vital role in informing citizens, promoting accountability and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.

As we approach the 2027 General Elections, I want to assure Kenyans that the Judiciary is treating electoral preparedness as a matter of the highest institutional priority.

Koome said the judiciary will continue strengthening professional capacity, addressing operational gaps, mobilizing the necessary resources and putting in place systems that support effective electoral dispute resolution.

She said the judiciary remains firmly committed to doing its part in safeguarding constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“Our promise to Kenyans is that, whenever electoral disputes arise and are properly brought before our courts, they will find an independent, impartial and competent Judiciary ready to administer justice in accordance with the Constitution and the law,” she said.

By Hussein Abdullahi